finally

Well, I'm here! I arrived early tuesday morning hauled all my luggage (1 suitcase, 1 duffle, 1 backpack) to a large "T" representing temple university. Although it was about 3 am U.S. time, I wasn't too tired since I passed out for almost the entire flight. They put five of us in a van to the "residence" on Medaglie D'oro, 73. The ride was completely surreal.
I found my arpartment and put my stuff in the tiny bedroom that I would soon share with two other girls. They weren't there yet, so I made a friend, showered, and set out for two of the most beautiful things in the world; the Vatican and gelato.
Immediately walking down the street from il mio apartamento I could see the dome peeking out between the yellow and orange buildings. We stopped at "Old Bridge," a gelateria that rivals Giolitti's (and it's within 7 min. of my apartment). My first Italian language exchange . . . I was nervous, I seemed to forget half of what I've learned in Italian over the past two years . . . Then I spoke, the man understood, and I got my gelato. All in italian. A small victory, but a victory nonetheless. I ordered fragola, limone, e nutella. Benissima.
Gelato in hand, we crossed the street to the vatican and sat in the shade of Bernini's columns. It all looked fake. I could NOT believe that I was there!! I still cannot believe I am here : )
We wanderd the square, finished our gelato, and started to feel the jet lag. One look at the long line into the basilica, roasting in the sun, and we decided to go back.

As silly as is sounds, it's so weird that everyone is speaking italian all the time. I have been preparing for this adventure for months . . . almost a year. Yet, I am embarassed to say, I feel a little culture shock. It's different to think, "Wow, I am going to be here for months, a part of this culture. Not simply observing it for a few weeks and then going home."

I finally met my roommates, Merideth and Allison, when I got back. They're nice, and we should get along fine. Although I miss my roomies at home! After a pizza party at the temple campus (which is a gorgeous walk crossing the tiber), I played tourleader and walked around with my new peeps. Dad would be proud of my navigation skills : ) We saw the Piazza di Popolo, the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti, and back to the Vatican. Walking back to the Vatican, crossing the Tiber at dusk is one of the most incredible images of my life. It glitters. Seriously. Does not even look like it can be real.